Bruce Forsyth plays his cards right with the Queen

The veteran performer received the accolade for a lifetime entertaining the nation.

Sir Bruce, 83, swept into the palace's central quadrangle in a chauffeur-driven vintage Rolls-Royce and emerged smiling with his family.

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He was joined by his Puerto Rico-born wife Wilnelia, a former Miss World, and their 24-year-old son Jonathan Joseph, known as JJ, and his daughters from previous marriages Charlotte, 34, and Laura, 48.

He posed for a picture with his wife on the steps of the royal residence's grand entrance, then they were joined by his children for a group photograph.

Sir Bruce, who looked smart in a morning suit, was dubbed a knight by the Queen during the palace investiture ceremony.

The Strictly Come Dancing host's place as a leading TV presenter has been recognised after years of campaigning by fans.

The award also marks his charity work, something the star does privately.

Admitting he feared he might never receive the honour, a delighted Sir Bruce said he could not wait to call his wife "my lady" when the knighthood was announced in the summer.

As a 14-year-old, he began working on the variety circuit where he danced, sang, cracked jokes and waited for his big break.

He got it in 1958 when he became host of Sunday Night At The London Palladium and he never looked back, hosting The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and Bruce's Price Is Right.

In 2004, when in effective semi-retirement, he was brought back to host a new version of an old programme, Strictly Come Dancing, and scored another massive hit.